In Lusaka, HIV advocate Dora Sakala described the row as a “wake-up call”, arguing that Zambia must stop exporting raw resources and start building local value chains. “We export [ copper ] in raw material, and then they sell it back to us at a higher price… But why can’t we do all this on our own?” she told Viory, calling for Zambia to generate more income domestically.

Political scientist Musiyani Sichone said the confrontation reflects intensifying great-power competition over Africa’s resource base. He argued that Zambia has become “a battleground between the West and the East”, with China already deeply embedded in the mining sector and the US now trying to regain ground, increasingly through deals that appear more transactional than before.

The new model relies on pay-for-performance contracts. Under the arrangement, participating African governments sign long-term logistics agreements with Zipline, which could total up to $400 million over time.

U.S. officials say the strategy aims to prioritise “efficiency, accountability and measurable outcomes” over previous grant-based systems.

“This partnership is an example of the innovative, results-driven approach at the core of the America First foreign assistance agenda,” said Jeremy Lewin, the U.S. Undersecretary of State for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs and Religious Freedom.

Why Drones ?

Zipline has become a critical part of African health systems since launching in Rwanda in 2016. Its autonomous drones deliver medical supplies to rural clinics in minutes, bypassing poor roads, power shortages and supply-chain bottlenecks that have long undermined healthcare access.

“The health systems don’t serve most people well,” said Caitlin Burton, CEO of Zipline Africa. “You can’t pave every road, electrify every facility, or guarantee every refrigerator works. But you can deliver what people need, when they need it.”

The company currently operates in seven countries worldwide but has its strongest footprint in Africa.

Featuring iconic destinations and hidden gems alike, the 2025 rankings, compiled by global travel experts and beach enthusiasts, celebrate natural beauty, accessibility, sustainability, and overall wow factor.

Let’s dive into some of the standout destinations that made waves this year, as visualised by World Visualized .

Cala Goloritzé (Italy)

A UNESCO-listed natural monument in Sardinia, Cala Goloritzé is famed for its jagged cliffs, bright blue waters, and hiking access. It’s a beach lover’s dream with an adventurous twist.

Entalula Beach ( Philippines )

A crown jewel of El Nido, Palawan, Entalula Beach captivates with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, lush limestone cliffs, and pristine white sands. Often accessible only by boat, this beach offers a secluded tropical paradise perfect for snorkelling and photography.

PK 9 Beach (French Polynesia)

PK 9 Beach, near Fakarava Atoll , stuns with its line of swaying palms and gentle lagoon tides. Renowned for its untouched beauty and biodiversity , this beach is a favourite for eco-tourists and snorkelers exploring French Polynesia’s marine sanctuaries.

“While Ghana’s current account position has improved due to higher gold and cocoa export earnings and reduced import bills, aid remains an important non-debt-creating source of inflows,” the report stated.

Fitch noted that international aid currently accounts for nearly half of Ghana’s net transfers, making it a critical component of the country’s external accounts. The agency cautioned that a slowdown in aid, particularly from the U.S., could weaken Ghana’s ability to withstand shocks, especially in times of tightened external financing or export underperformance.

Although the country’s gross international reserves recovered in 2024 to $6.95 billion (3.0 months of import cover), sustained stability may depend on the successful completion of debt restructuring programs and renewed capital inflows, according to Fitch.

The blackout, which began around 12:30 p.m. local time, affected major cities including Madrid, Lisbon, and Barcelona, leading to halted transportation systems, grounded flights, and widespread communication failures. Authorities are investigating the cause, with possibilities ranging from technical failures to cyberattacks.​

In Spain, the outage brought public transportation to a standstill . Madrid's metro system was evacuated, and traffic lights ceased functioning, causing significant congestion. Airports operated on backup generators, leading to flight delays nationwide.

Hospitals suspended routine operations, relying on emergency power to treat critical patients. Retailers like IKEA closed stores or limited access, and oil refineries , including those operated by Moeve and Petronor, halted operations due to the power failure.​

Portugal faced similar challenges. Lisbon's metro and train services were suspended, and traffic signals failed across the country. Water supplier EPAL warned of potential disruptions, and residents rushed to purchase emergency supplies. All IKEA stores in Portugal closed for the day, and airports operated on limited capacity.​

The exact cause of the outage remains unclear. Spanish grid operator Red Eléctrica and Portuguese operator REN are investigating, with initial reports suggesting a possible technical failure in the high-voltage network. Authorities have not ruled out a cyberattack, and Spain's National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) is examining the possibility.​

A fire in southwest France, between Perpignan and Narbonne, damaged a high-voltage power line, which some speculate may have contributed to the outage. However, French grid operator RTE stated that the incident was unrelated to the blackout.​

Power restoration efforts began within hours in some regions. By early afternoon, electricity returned to parts of the Basque Country and Barcelona. However, full restoration across affected areas is expected to take longer, with Portuguese utility EDP unable to provide a definitive timeline.​

The outage also impacted cultural events. At the Madrid Open tennis tournament, matches were suspended as electronic systems failed, leaving players and spectators in the dark.

From explosive celebrations to sacred rituals, here are 10 of the most unique Easter traditions practised around the world.

Sweden: Easter witches

Forget the Easter Bunny—in Sweden, children dress up as “Easter witches,” donning colourful clothes and painted cheeks as they go door to door trading drawings for sweets, a whimsical blend of Halloween and Easter.

Germany: Easter egg trees and bonfires

Germans bring colour to their gardens with Ostereierbaum—trees decorated with hand-painted eggs. The season is also marked by towering Easter bonfires, meant to chase away the dark of winter and welcome spring.

Slovakia: Whipping tradition

In Slovakia, Easter Monday comes with a quirky and controversial custom: men playfully whip women with decorated willow branches, believed to bring beauty and vitality for the year ahead.

Greece: Rocket wars and clay pots

On the island of Chios, two rival churches engage in a thrilling "rocket war ," firing thousands of homemade fireworks across the night sky. Meanwhile, in Corfu, residents hurl clay pots from balconies to ward off evil spirits.

France: Giant omelette for a thousand

In the town of Haux, chefs cook a giant omelette made with over 4,000 eggs—enough to feed an entire village. Legend has it that Napoleon once ordered a massive omelette here, and the tradition stuck.

Guatemala: Flower carpets

In Antigua, streets bloom with intricate alfombras—vibrant carpets of dyed sawdust, flowers, and fruit that line the roads for Easter processions. These temporary artworks are as fleeting as they are breathtaking.

Philippines : Self-crucifixion

In a dramatic and controversial act of faith, some Filipino devotees reenact Christ’s crucifixion —complete with nails and crosses—as a form of penance. Though discouraged by the Church, the practice draws large crowds each year.

Papua New Guinea: Cigarette trees

Churches in Papua New Guinea hang tobacco leaves and cigarettes on trees around Easter, encouraging congregants, especially men, to attend services and receive their “reward.”

Afghanistan, with a population of 45 million that has long been dependent on aid, faces the world's second-largest humanitarian crisis. Since US funding cuts earlier this year, about three million people have lost access to health services because of the closure of more than 364 medical centres, with a further 220 centres at risk of closing by the third quarter of 2025, the UN's health agency said.

"That's maybe another two or three million people who have no access to healthcare services," Edwin Ceniza Salvador, the WHO representative in Afghanistan, told AFP in an interview in Kabul. "When the funding stopped, of course, the existing donors tried to step up. But you're talking about a significant gap to US funding," Salvador added.

Afghanistan's ramshackle healthcare system has been weakened by decades of war and records some of the world's highest infant and maternal mortality rates. The global aid situation has grown dire since President Donald Trump ordered the dismantling of the US Agency for International Development early this year and began Washington's withdrawal from the WHO. His administration scrapped 83 percent of humanitarian programmes funded by USAID. 

The gap is particularly concerning in light of the suspension of humanitarian aid from the United States, previously the country’s largest donor via USAID, local news portal Actualite reports.

The U.S. funding freeze has raised fears of a resurgence in infectious diseases , particularly in eastern DRC, where armed conflict and population displacement continue to hinder health interventions.

In response, President Félix Tshisekedi has directed his government to explore alternative solutions to cushion the impact of the suspended aid.

The DRC officially declared a Mpox epidemic in early 2022. Since then, the disease has spread to all 26 provinces, fueled by a mutated strain of the virus that facilitates rapid human-to-human and sexual transmission.

From January 2024 to mid-March 2025, the country reported 89,903 suspected Mpox cases, including 16,782 confirmed infections and 1,684 deaths — figures that highlight the urgency of the situation.

The memo said most USAID workers will lose their jobs on either July 1 or September 2, 2025.

The memo told affected staff, "Because your position is being abolished, you will be separated from the Foreign Service."

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said USAID had lost focus and become wasteful. He added that the US would still fund essential, lifesaving programs, including HIV treatment through PEPFAR.

The closure has greatly impacted Kenya, where over 41,000 health workers lost their jobs. Many of them cared for people with HIV and tuberculosis.

The layoffs have also left many Kenyans without proper healthcare.

Before the shutdown, USAID supported clinics in Kenya that provided HIV testing, treatment, and counselling. These services have now been moved to government hospitals, and the specialised clinics have closed.

The Washington Post reported that USAID staff were asked to leave their offices by 1 p.m. on the day of the announcement.

The US State Department said 5,200 of USAID’s global programs would be cancelled to save money. The remaining 17% of programs will be managed by the State Department.

Elon Musk, who was appointed by President Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), supported the decision. He accused USAID of misusing public funds , including on secret projects.

Two top USAID security officers were suspended after stopping DOGE members from entering restricted areas.

While the US Government hasn’t directly funded HIV-specific programs in Uzbekistan, critical initiatives in civic space, human rights, education, and advocacy have relied heavily on US support. According to UNAIDS , with these programmes now closed, organisations working on HIV-related legal reforms, anti-discrimination, and rights-based healthcare access face greater challenges in pushing for policy change. UN agencies are seeking new funding sources to sustain key initiatives, engaging with embassies, the EU, and the Uzbek government to fill the gap left by US funding.

Uzbekistan ranks among the top military powers in Central Asia

According to Global Firepower’s 2025 ranking, Uzbekistan ranks 58th with a Power Index score of 1.1121 (lower scores indicate stronger military power). The country fields 192 aircraft, including 58 combat jets, 13 attack aircraft, 101 helicopters, and 34 attack helicopters. Uzbekistan holds the second-strongest military in Central Asia, following Kazakhstan (57th). Turkmenistan ranked 77th, Kyrgyzstan 105th, and Tajikistan 108th.

715,000 people to get access to drinking water for the first time this year

This year, Uzbekistan plans to build 1,619 km of water pipelines, 521 km of sewer networks, and renovate 162 infrastructure facilities, providing clean drinking water to 715,000 people and sewage access to 135,000 households. Additionally, 157,000 consumers will receive modern water meters. At a meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, emphasis was placed on boosting private partnerships and local firms’ participation in international tenders, Gazeta reports. The president also approved simplified procedures with international financial institutions and called for fast-tracking $850 million worth of projects by year-end.

Uzbekistan and Qatar strengthen economic and parliamentary ties

On March 19, 2025, Senate Chair Tanzila Narbaeva met with Qatar’s Ambassador Hasan Hamza Asad Muhammad Hashim to discuss strengthening Uzbek-Qatari ties. The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in political, trade, economic, and investment sectors while emphasizing the importance of inter-parliamentary relations as a key pillar of bilateral partnership, as reported by The Pinnacle Gazette .

Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan discuss expanding air travel

Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are exploring new air travel routes to boost tourism and business ties, according to the Kyrgyz Trade Representation in Uzbekistan. The initiative was discussed during a meeting between Aero Nomad Airlines and Uzbek tour operators. TTW reports that CEO Timur Aralbaev presented the airline’s capabilities, with both sides expressing strong interest in expanding flight options to meet growing demand and enhance regional connectivity.

The cuts, which have impacted key health programs including HIV/AIDS treatment, maternal and child health services, and disease surveillance efforts, have left what the minister described as a "huge gap" in both funding and service delivery.

Speaking at a press briefing in Harare, Health Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora said the funding shortfall has already begun to strain hospitals and clinics across the country, many of which relied heavily on US-backed initiatives to maintain basic service levels.

"Yes, the gap that has been created is huge because we are talking of between 300 and 400 million US dollars and we are working towards covering that gap gradually. It's not like it's today we need 300 million, but up to the end of the year. So we cover it as we go," he said.

This decision follows a broader hold on USAID projects shortly after President Trump’s second term began, leaving many African nations, reliant on U.S. aid, in a precarious position.

"After a six-week review, we are officially cancelling 83% of the programs at USAID," Rubio said .

He said that the remaining 18% of contracts would be more effectively managed under the State Department once a review by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) concluded.

This substantial cut in funding is anticipated to cause severe healthcare deficits in Zimbabwe, where USAID played a vital role by funding salaries for medical staff and enhancing healthcare infrastructure, notably in rural regions.

Zimbabwean officials assert that they have alternative strategies in place to cope with the funding loss, urging citizens not to panic. Nonetheless, critics express doubt regarding the government's ability to compensate for the diminished support from USAID.

The situation is similarly dire in South Africa, where clinics dispensing antiretroviral drugs have shut down, critically affecting thousands of HIV-positive patients.

Moreover, the crisis is exacerbated by the withdrawal of UK Aid and other European agencies, which previously provided essential support for development and humanitarian efforts across Africa.

In the wake of U.S. funding cuts, affected governments must now either increase domestic funding or seek alternative international donors to bridge the gap. The long-term repercussions on vulnerable populations in Africa are unclear, but concerns about deteriorating healthcare and economic instability are prevalent.

However, the aid freeze has already led to service disruptions across USAID offices across Africa.

A European Commission spokesperson reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to humanitarian support but acknowledged the growing challenges.

“We will not step back from our humanitarian commitments,” the spokesperson told  Semafor , noting that the bloc’s 2025 humanitarian budget stands at $1.9 billion, with $510 million designated for Africa.

Despite this, the spokesperson admitted that the EU alone cannot bridge the widening funding gap. “The funding gap is getting bigger, leaving millions in need. The EU cannot fill this gap left by others.”

The U.S., the world’s largest single aid donor, distributed approximately $72 billion in assistance in 2023, much of it through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

"I do not have any hopes for future," she says. I don’t know if our families will lose us or what to expect."

This move, spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Elon Musk, aims to reduce federal spending but has raised concerns about the potential humanitarian and geopolitical repercussions.

Africa stands out as a region heavily reliant on USAID funding , especially in the health sector. In 2024, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo each received approximately $1.20 billion in aid, primarily directed towards health programmes, including HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.

South Sudan, Somalia, and Nigeria also ranked among the top recipients, with significant portions of their aid allocated to healthcare initiatives. The abrupt cessation of funds threatens to disrupt essential services, such as HIV treatment programmes, potentially leading to a resurgence of the epidemic in these regions.

The suspension has already led to the closure of numerous health clinics and the halting of critical services. For instance, in South Africa, USAID-funded organisations were ordered to halt work for 90 days, forcing clinics to close and leaving patients without access to necessary treatments. This sudden withdrawal not only endangers public health but also undermines years of progress made in combating diseases across the continent.

Beyond Africa, the discontinuation of USAID affects numerous countries worldwide. In 2024, USAID distributed nearly $32.5 billion in aid, with significant allocations to nations like Ukraine, Jordan, and Ethiopia. The suspension of this support destroys various development projects, from infrastructure enhancements to educational programmes, potentially destabilising regions that have been strengthened by U.S. assistance.

Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health, Muhammad Pate, said the country must reduce its dependence on foreign aid and take responsibility for its own healthcare system. He acknowledged the US had played a big role in funding treatment for diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria but said Nigeria must now find a way to support its own health workers.

President Donald Trump’s decision to stop USAID funding, along with cuts to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), has caused major challenges for Nigeria’s health sector. PEPFAR funds HIV treatment and prevention in Nigeria and other countries.

Although some funding was restored, many programmes remain affected. The suspension of USAID funding is part of a wider review by the US government, which says it is checking for waste and corruption.

To deal with the situation, the Nigerian government has set aside an extra 300 billion naira in its 2025 budget for the health sector. This money is expected to help cover the salaries of the affected health workers and improve healthcare services.

Nigeria’s health system relies heavily on private funding. Around 70% of healthcare costs in the country are paid for by individuals, while only 30% comes from the government.

Minister Pate stressed that although foreign aid helps, Nigeria needs to invest more of its own money in healthcare to ensure stability.

The government has also approved nearly $1 billion for healthcare improvements, including better services in state hospitals. However, the minister warned that changes will take time.

Nigeria also depends on imports for most of its medicines and medical equipment. Over 70% of drugs and almost all medical devices are brought in from other countries.

The government now plans to boost local production of essential medicines, such as antibiotics, to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen the healthcare system.

Pate said healthcare is expensive, but Nigeria must invest in it to provide high-quality services for its people.

He admitted the country had not spent enough on healthcare in the past and that fixing the system would require time and effort.

African countries most impacted by USAID suspension

The recent suspension of USAID funding has left several African nations scrambling to fill the financial gap left by the U.S. withdrawal. Who are the most affected countries and how have they been affected? Read more here .

The rise and early fall of the Central African Republic’s experimental cryptocurrency

The Central African Republic (CAR), under the leadership of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, has ventured into the world of cryptocurrency with an experimental memecoin aimed at fostering national unity and economic development. Read more here

Why Trump and Musk are accusing South Africa of human rights violations

Over the past week, United States (US) president Donald Trump, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk on one hand, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on the other, have been involved in an open standoff concerning the latter’s new land expropriation law. Here’s what the controversy is about. Read more here .

Latin America

Colombia migrants decry degrading treatment, but American dream remains for some

Colombian migrants deported from the United States in the early days of President Donald Trump's administration say they experienced degrading treatment, but some said they still want to try and return to the United States. Read more here .

Cuba tells non-essential workers, students to stay home in latest blackout

Cuba closed schools and told non-essential workers to stay home on Friday as its electrical grid faltered following the failure of a major power plant, causing widespread blackouts across the crisis-ridden island. Read more here .

El Salvador to house minors convicted of organized crime in adult jails

El Salvador's Congress voted on Wednesday to allow minors convicted of crimes linked to organized crime to be housed in the same prisons as adults, albeit in separate areas. The measure would apply to children under 18 who belong to gangs and have been prosecuted for major crimes such as homicide, kidnappings and arms trafficking, Congress said. Read more here .

Asia

14-year-old Indian "Human Calculator " sets six math world records in a single day

Aaryan Shukla, a 14-year-old from Maharashtra, India, has stunned the world with his extraordinary mental math skills, breaking six world records in a single day. He has been recognised by the Guinness World Records. Read more here .

Thailand cracks down on foreign teachers without work permits

Thai authorities are taking strict action against foreign teachers working without the right papers. Officials have started checking language schools in Bangkok after eight South Korean teachers were caught working illegally last week. Read more here.

Indonesia launches $183 million free health screening to prevent early deaths

Indonesia launched an annual free health screening on Monday, a 3 trillion rupiah ($183.54 million) initiative to prevent early deaths that the country's health ministry said was its biggest-ever undertaking. Read more here .

In this budget, the government made a $200 million provision to fill gaps created as a result of the aid suspension to the Nigerian health sector, Reuters reported.

The move aims to sustain critical healthcare programs in Africa’s most populous country amid growing uncertainty over the future of USAID, the world’s largest aid donor.

The funding freeze has already impacted key public health initiatives, including contact tracing and international traveller screenings, an American official told CBS News last week.

Meanwhile, Uganda is receiving an additional $2 million from the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen its response to the country’s latest Ebola outbreak.

CEO of Bond, a UK-based network of international development organisations, Romilly Greenhill warned that the U.S. cuts could weaken global health security and called on the international community to step in and support affected programs, Semafor reports.

The Senate’s decision follows a joint communication submitted by Senators Amara Konneh (Gbarpolu County), Abraham Darius Dillon (Montserrado County), Augustine Chea (Sinoe County), and Gbehzongar Findley (Grand Bassa County). They emphasised the urgency of reassessing Liberia’s budgetary framework, particularly its allocations for the next four years, given the financial vacuum left by the U.S. decision.

The funding freeze follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration, after which an internal memo was sent to U.S. officials and embassies, including Liberia, ordering a halt to nearly all existing foreign assistance and pausing new aid.

Brenda Moore, Founder and Executive Director of the Kids’ Educational Engagement Project (KEEP) highlighted the economic and developmental strain caused by the aid suspension.

“The suspension of USAID funding will put the government under pressure to find alternatives to the existing programs and projects,” Moore stated. “Allowing some of these projects to be halted altogether will mean restart and remobilization costs not initially included in the operational budget. With limited resources, this is no easy task. The stop-work order will not only halt progress but has also put a strain on our local economy and the livelihoods of many Liberians.”

The aid suspension is part of a policy shift under Trump’s “America First” initiative, temporarily halting billions of dollars in foreign assistance pending a 90-day review by the U.S. State Department.

If USAID funding were paused for a full year, the economic shock would exceed 1% of Gross National Income (GNI) in 23 countries, with eight experiencing losses of 3% or more. 

Among the 26 poorest countries, eight—South Sudan, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Afghanistan, Sudan, Uganda, and Ethiopia—rely on USAID for over 20% of their assistance. The freeze left these nations struggling to sustain vital programs . 

A week into the pause, Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a waiver for lifesaving humanitarian aid and medications. However, the damage had already begun.

The impact extended beyond budget cuts. The Trump administration initiated the closure of USAID offices and programs worldwide, severely affecting efforts to combat HIV, polio, mpox, and bird flu.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the freeze on tens of billions of dollars in foreign aid disrupted HIV treatments and health services across 50 countries. Clinics closed, and health workers were placed on leave. 

The consequences of the aid freeze have rippled across the globe, threatening lives, livelihoods, and progress in public health and education.

The U.S. allocates approximately $60 billion each year to nonmilitary humanitarian and development aid - accounting for less than 1% of the federal budget yet surpassing contributions from any other nation.

“A chaotic, unexplained, and abrupt pause with no guidance has left all our partners around the world high and dry and America looking like a severely unreliable actor to do business with,” a USAID official told ProPublica .

The Centre for Global Support indicates that if USAID's funding freeze were to last a year, 23 economies - 16 low-income countries (LICs) and seven lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) - would experience an economic shock of at least 1 percent. Among them, eight nations would suffer a severe impact of 3 percent or more: South Sudan (9 percent), Somalia (9 percent), Afghanistan (7 percent), Liberia (4 percent), Syria (5 percent), the Central African Republic (4 percent), Yemen (4 percent), and Micronesia (3 percent).

South Sudan

South Sudan, one of the world’s youngest nations, faces severe food insecurity and ongoing conflict, making it one of the most aid-dependent countries globally. USAID has been a major provider of emergency food assistance, health services, and peacekeeping efforts.

With the funding freeze, millions are at risk of malnutrition and disease outbreaks, while peace and stability efforts may suffer setbacks.

“I’ve been an infectious disease doctor for 30 years, and I’ve never seen anything that scares me as much as this,” said Dr. Jennifer Furin , a Harvard Medical School physician who received a stop-work order for a program designing treatment plans for people with the most drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis.

Somalia

Somalia, long plagued by terrorism, political instability, and food shortages, relies on USAID for humanitarian aid and famine prevention. The funding halt could worsen an already dire situation, where millions face starvation due to prolonged droughts and ongoing conflict with extremist groups. USAID-backed vaccination and nutrition programs could also be in jeopardy. Amongst others, “through over 450 quick-impact activities worth over $38 million, USAID is helping Somalis demonstrate the benefits of political reconciliation,” a report by the USAID read.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

The DRC has endured decades of conflict, poverty, and weak governance, making it one of Africa’s most fragile states. USAID funding has supported healthcare services, refugee assistance, and development projects. Without this aid, displacement camps housing millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) could see a collapse in essential services. The halt could also disrupt efforts to contain disease outbreaks, including Ebola. The U.S. Embassy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which remains closed until further notice, issued a security alert on Tuesday advising U.S. citizens in Kinshasa to "shelter in place" amid ongoing protests. The embassy also urged citizens to "depart safely while commercial travel options remain available," CNN reports .

Liberia

Liberia, still recovering from the devastating Ebola crisis and years of civil war, depends on USAID primarily for healthcare infrastructure and disease control. The country’s health system is weak, and USAID has played a key role in providing medical supplies, training healthcare workers, and funding immunisation programs. The withdrawal of U.S. support could lead to a surge in preventable diseases and a collapse in maternal and child health services. USAID spearheaded the U.S. government’s international response to the Ebola outbreak, ultimately bringing the number of cases to zero. In total, the virus infected over 28,600 people and claimed 11,300 lives.

  Sudan

Sudan is grappling with armed conflicts and a fragile transition to civilian rule, and USAID has been a critical source of emergency food aid and development assistance. For the past 21 months, USAID and State Department staff have worked to reopen aid routes. Despite slow progress, American-supported convoys were finally beginning to reach some of the most severely affected areas. The suspension of funding will increase the risk of famine, especially in conflict-affected regions like Darfur, while also weakening governance and civil society initiatives aimed at stabilising the country.

Uganda

Uganda is one of the few African nations where USAID has heavily invested in population and reproductive health programs. The funding freeze could result in reduced access to contraceptives, family planning, and maternal healthcare, affecting millions of women and children. Additionally, HIV/AIDS programs that depend on U.S. support may see disruptions, reversing years of progress. Flavia Kyomukama, from the National Forum of People Living with HIV/AIDS Networks Uganda (NAFOPHANU), expressed shock over Donald Trump's decision. "We are still struggling to process what has happened - it’s incredibly difficult to comprehend," she said . "There was a memorandum of support between our countries, a clear roadmap toward zero infections, and yet this decision was made in a single day."

  Ethiopia

Ethiopia, Africa’s second-most populous nation, has been dealing with a devastating civil war, widespread hunger, and political instability. USAID has been one of the largest donors in Ethiopia, supporting food security, disaster relief, and healthcare. The aid freeze could worsen the humanitarian crisis, with millions at risk of starvation and displacement, particularly in the conflict-ridden Tigray region. “The pause of U.S. foreign assistance on Ethiopia will affect many areas of development; however, its impact on Ethiopia’s national HIV response is particularly severe,” an update by the UNAIDS read .

Zimbabwe is currently in the throes of political upheaval as war veterans have openly demanded the resignation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. With apprehensions about his potential rule extending beyond constitutional limits, war veteran leader Blessed Geza has articulated intentions for a nationwide shutdown aimed at compelling Mnangagwa to resign. Geza also faces looming arresUt due to his confrontational stance against the president, for which authorities are actively searching him on multiple charges, including inciting violence.

Resurgence of HIV

Zimbabwe is experiencing a resurgence of HIV, influenced by the withdrawal of mobile health clinics which previously provided critical services like antiretroviral drugs, condoms, and testing. This cessation followed the suspension of U.S. foreign aid on January 20, leaving many, particularly vulnerable groups such as sex workers, without necessary healthcare access. With approximately 1.3 million individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe, the fallout from the aid suspension poses significant health risks as condom supplies decrease.

De-dollarisation

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has signalled that Zimbabwe is not positioned to initiate de-dollarisation until it restructures its outstanding $21 billion debt, essential for regaining access to international credit. Since defaulting in 1999, Zimbabwe has faced exclusion from capital markets, with potential debt restructuring promising necessary support for balance of payments. The introduction of the new ZiG currency has stumbled, marked by a significant 43% devaluation in September, inciting calls for its reconsideration; the central bank has allocated over $400 million in support measures while tightening liquidity.

Bus-truck collision

A tragic vehicle collision occurred in Matabeleland South Province on February 13, 2025, claiming at least 24 lives. The incident involved a bus and a haulage truck, leading to seventeen fatalities at the scene and seven additional deaths in hospital care, with twelve individuals remaining in critical condition. Eyewitnesses indicated that the bus was en route to Beitbridge, near the South African border, while the truck was transporting a substantial cargo of 34 metric tons of magnesium. The police have confirmed the event and pledged to release more comprehensive details.

Longstanding debt

Zimbabwe's longstanding debt crisis poses a critical issue, with more than $21 billion accumulated over 25 years, largely stemming from unpaid obligations. The country has been in default to significant creditors, most notably the World Bank and the IMF, since 2000, a situation exacerbated by severe drought conditions adversely impacting the agricultural sector.

Uganda's Health Ministry announced plans to close all dedicated HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) clinics due to the loss of USAID funding. Essential pharmacies providing antiretroviral drugs are also affected, as these services previously catered to around 1.5 million Ugandans living with HIV.

Closure of these clinics forces reliance on public hospitals, which lack the infrastructure to handle such specialised care adequately.

Flavia Kyomukama, representing the National Forum of People Living with HIV/AIDS Networks Uganda, described the situation as a shocking betrayal. "We are still reeling from the shock of what they have done, it is very difficult to understand," she said .

Experts are warning of a systemic collapse of the international aid and development framework due to the drastic cuts implemented by the Trump administration. The US historically leads the world in humanitarian assistance, with a budget of $71.9 billion in 2023.

Losing USAID undermines vital programmes, notably PEPFAR, which provides critical support in the fight against HIV/AIDS globally.

Analysts indicate that the ramifications extend beyond Uganda, risking upheaval in aid-dependent countries. Refugee support systems, funded partly by USAID, may also falter without US contributions, potentially triggering migration crises.

Brian Aliganyira, director of Ark Wellness Hub in Uganda, described the current situation as one of "total panic" within the community and health sector. Clinicians are running out of essential supplies, leading to fears of a resurgence in HIV infections. He warned, "Without the support we need, HIV will surge and people will die."

“Now that USAID funding will no longer be available, we must ensure this doesn't lead to the growth of illicit mining, drug trafficking, or the recruitment of young people into illegal activities,” Muca stated. “The government needs to step in to replace this support, as its absence could have serious consequences,” he told the AFP.

Muca also expressed concerns about Trump’s stance on climate change, warning that deforestation in the Colombian Amazon is likely to rise. “Since President Trump has always opposed climate change policies and doesn’t believe in them, deforestation is very likely to increase,” he said.

While President Donald Trump is swiftly moving to shut down USAID , calling it a waste of money run by “lunatics,” experts caution that this decision could ultimately benefit China.

Despite these, the are employees in various parts of the who give out their all at the workplace in terms of work hours.

According to data provided by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), there are some 5 countries in the world that work the most hours annually.

Here is the list:

Mexico

Topping the list is Mexico, where the average worker clocks in an impressive 2,207 hours per year. This high number reflects the country's labour dynamics, which often involve a six-day workweek.

Costa Rica

Following closely is Costa Rica, with an average of 2,171 hours worked annually. Known for its "Pura Vida" lifestyle, Costa Rica's high working hours might come as a surprise. However, the country frequently ranks high on the World Economic Forum’s Happy Planet Index, indicating a unique blend of hard work and overall well-being.

Chile

In third place is Chile, where the average annual hours worked is 1,953. Chile's economy is one of the most stable in Latin America, and its workforce is known for its dedication and productivity.

Greece

Greece which is the fourth place has an annual work hours of 1897. Like the rest of the countries on the list, Greece has a stable workforce which drives its innovation and development.

Israel

Rounding out the top five is Israel, with an average of 1,880 hours worked per year. Israel's workforce is known for its high productivity and innovation, contributing to the country's strong economic performance.